Sep/Oct 2020 Busline Magazine

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CONTENTS

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Great Customer Service, Employees And Equipment Leading The Way At

Valet Park Of America ...........................8 Two Main Goals: Safety & Punctuality

Fond du Lac Area Transit.....................28

Speaker Jim Pancero Shares Advice On

BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

Staying Open, Moving Forward During COVID-19 Pandemic........................51

Transit & Articulated Buses • BYD 44 • Prevost 46 • Motor Coach Industries 47 • New Flyer of America 48 • Proterra 48 • ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 49 • Nova Bus 49 • Alliance Bus Group 50

— Busline Buyers Guides —

Bus Shelters....................41 Fare Collection Systems...43 RAPID RESPONSE .........................Page 6 INDUSTRY NEWS........................Page 55

ON THE COVER: Valet Park of America President and Founder Theodore Chagnon, and his wife, Senior Vice President and Business Partner Angie Chagnon, are shown with one of the company’s Micro Bird buses. Valet Park of America is located in Springfield, MA. See page 8.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2020 November 16-19 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) (Virtual Conference) Info: 416-365-9800 November 16-19 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) (Virtual Conference) Info: 800-891-0590

JANUARY 2021 January 28-30 Busworld North America Baltimore, MD Info: busworldnorthamerica.org

January 29 - February 2 American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace 2021 Baltimore, MD Info: 800-283-2877 MARCH 2021 March 3-7 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Motorcoach Expo Orlando, FL Info: 800-424-8262

March 14-17 APTA TRANSform Conference & Expo Anaheim, CA Info: 202-496-4800

JUNE 2021 June 13-17 Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Expo Richmond, VA Info: 800-891-0590

JULY 2021 July 17-21 National School Transportation Association Annual Meeting & Convention Milwaukee, WI Info: 703-684-3200 NOVEMBER 2021 November 5-9 National Association For Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Annual Conference & Trade Show Grand Rapids, MI Info: 518-452-3611

Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. Publisher assumes no liability whatsoever for content of any advertisement or editorial material contained herein. Copyright 2020 Rankin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written consent of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling; Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 Published by Rankin Publishing, Inc. www.buslinemag.com

BUSLINE

September/October 2020

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICES

Rankin Publishing Co., Inc.

Linda Rankin, Publisher 204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130 Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Email: rankinmag@consolidated.net Website: www.rankinpublishing.com (800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959 Fax: (217) 268-4815 Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor Rick Mullen, Associate Editor Design: David Opdyke, Kris Bott Reception: Mary Jo Dunn

Advertising Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 813-502-6672 Email: kevloraz@gmail.com Or Linda Rankin @ 800-598-8083 Fax: 217-268-4815 Email: rankinmag@consolidated.net

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Company

Website

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ABA/Busworld North America ABC Companies Altro American Battery Solutions American Seating AngelTrax ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Better Life Technology Bird Bus Sales Bitimec Wash-Bots Bitzer BRC Group BYD Cable Car Classics Camira CBM NA Chestnut Ridge Foam CHTC Bus Group Clean Seal Complete Coach Works Diamond Manufacturing Dixie Electric Ltd. Driverge® Vehicle Innovations Freedman Seating Handi-Hut, Inc. Hometown Coach Irizar USA

busworldnorthamerica.com abc-companies.com altro.com/transport americanbatterysolutions.com americanseating.com angeltrax.com ARBOCsv.com BLTLLC.com 888-275-7425 x122 wash-bots.com bitzerus.com brcgroup.ca byd.com cablecarclassics.com camirafabrics.com/stayingsafe cbmcompany.com/en/ CRFOAM.com chtcbusgroup.com cleanseal.com completecoach.com diamondmfg.com delstar-hd.com driverge.com freedmanseating.com handi-hut.com hometowncoach.com irizarusa.com

54 7 12 15 42 17 35 16 21 31 30 40 25 22 61 36 39 27 53 60 43 58 26 13 41 23 63

Company

Website

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J & J Chemical jjchem.com Kelderman Air Suspension Systems kelderman.com LiquidSpring LLC liquidspring.com Marathon Brake Systems MarathonBrake.com Micro Bird Commercial mbcbus.com Midwest Bus Corporation midwestbus.com Mohawk Lifts GovLifts.com Motrocoach Tire Sales MotorCoachTireSales.com ProAir, LLC proairllc.com QMF Steel qmfsteel.com Reyco Granning reycogranning.com Roaring Fork Transportion Authority rfta.com Safety Step safetystep.net Safety Vision safetyvision.com SanUVAire SanUVAire.com Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery sardobus.com Service Insurance serviceins.com Sutrak sutrakusa.com TAPTCO (Transit And Paratransit Company) taptco.com Temsa temsa.com Thermo King www.thermoking.com TIB tibinsurance.com Transign transignllc.com TripSpark tripspark.com/ROD Vanner Power vanner.com Voith voith.com

61 38 24 50 32 37 57 55 10 2 14 56 62 20 60 29 62 52 3 11 5 34 64 18 6, 51 9

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Shown, left to right, are Valet Park of America officials Maggie Gaughan, Joyce Cote, Janice Saporito, Mike Chagnon, Angie Chagnon and Ted Chagnon.

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor

he importance of client diversification is often heightened during periods of uncertainty. That fact has been amplified for Valet Park of America — a parking services and transportation provider based in Springfield, MA — during the current COVID-19 pandemic. On the transportation side, the company has stayed active with shuttle work for health care clients, while other areas of its operation have been silent.

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“Initially, we shut down all of our shuttle and other transportation operations (due to COVID-19).

Employees were given the opportunity to be furloughed or transfered to another department. We have since restarted shuttle operations at facilities that need our assistance, with all the proper safety procedures in place to guard against coronavirus,” Valet Park of America President and Founder Theodore Chagnon said. “Prior to the pandemic, we employed approximately 1,000 people. At one BUSLINE

September/October 2020

point that number was reduced to 500, and currently stands at around 650 employees.

“I have many friends who are involved solely in transportation, and unfortunately some are still shut down. Thankfully, we provide services to a variety of clients. That has enabled us to continue operating.”

There is no denying, however, that COVID-19 has had a big impact on Valet Park of America’s business activity for most of 2020.

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direction from, clients. Vehicles are also sanitized every 30 min“Two of our biggest transportation segments are health care utes and/or between each trip. and colleges/universities. Obviously, the pandemic reduced a lot of our transportation business. More online learning programs “Our equipment is kept at various locations throughout the have started at many colleges/universities, and transportation for company’s operational areas. Each location has a vehicle cleanfall sports remains undetermined. We are keeping an eye on daying crew. Also, our drivers clean the interior of the vehicles they to-day COVID-19 developare using for that day during ments in our service areas,” the beginning of each shift, Chagnon said. “Right now, we and periodically throughout “Eight months ago, I don’t think anyone don’t have any chartered aththe shift,” Chagnon said. “We in our industry would have expected to letic work scheduled for the have also eliminated every fall. Also, casinos have been contend with the issues we are contending other seat for social distancclosed, conventions cancelled, ing. In some cases, where in with right now... However, you have to corporate travel greatly rethe past we operated two shutevolve and adapt as a company.” duced and many weddings tle buses for a run, we are now have either been cancelled or — Theodore Chagnon operating four as the number downsized. of people allowed in each ve“With our wedding transhicle has been reduced.” portation business, many couples who were planning to have 300 Valet Park of America officials continue to monitor for, and guests this year have now downsized to 50 or 100. We are seeing follow, any changes with CDC and individual state guidelines. that take place in many states. Therefore, the number of transThey are also watching what other members of the transportaportation vehicles or parking spaces required is much smaller. We tion industry are doing to better protect employees and passenhave also seen a lot of people reschedule events to next year, gers from COVID-19. which means we could be really busy in 2021.”

“Eight months ago, I don’t think anyone in our industry For those transportation services that are taking place during would have expected to contend with the issues we are conthe pandemic, Chagnon said officials as Valet Park of America tending with right now, when it comes to making sure people are making sure the company is following Centers for Disease stay safe from a virus,” Chagnon said. “However, you have to evolve and adapt as a company. The current circumstance dicControl and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Some of those steps include requiring that all passengers and drivers wear face masks, tates that we make sure everyone’s health is properly protected along with being in constant communication with, and receiving from COVID-19.”

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V

FROM PARKING TO PARKING & DRIVING

alet Park of America was founded in 1990 by Chagnon as a provider of parking services. Eight years later, the company expanded its operation by purchasing vehicles on behalf of certain clients.

“In 1998, a medical facility that we were working with was running out of parking space. I proposed to the facility that we (Valet Park of America) could operate a shuttle service for their employees. We helped them secure some off-site parking, purchased a shuttle bus and became a transportation provider,” Chagnon said.

“The transportation side of our company continued to grow, as we started providing services to colleges/universities in association with their athletic programs as well as business/corporate travel, wedding charter work and transportation for the hospitality, municipality, airport, casino, restaurant, ski resort and other entities.

We have also remained quite active in parking management and valet parking services.

“It’s important to evolve as a company, looking for new ways to fulfill the needs of clients. We can assist our partners by providing a variety of services including valet parking, parking management and transportation.”

In addition to its corporate headquarters in Springfield (located in western Massachusetts), the company operates regional facilities in various parts of the U.S. Northeast as well as Florida.

“Our service region in the northeastern part of the country extends from Buffalo, NY, to Boston, MA, down to New York City and across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. We are also active in New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania and

Valet Park of America was founded in 1990 by Ted Chagnon.

Eight years later, the company started purchasing vehicles.

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Florida,” Chagnon said. “With our services and exThe Valet Park of America fleet includes Micro Bird buses, perience firmly in place, I feel we could operate used for a variety of transportation services. just about anywhere in the country.”

Officials at Valet Park of America continue to follow what Chagnon refers to as “the three pillars of success,” helping the company grow and prosper — COVID-19 notwithstanding. The “three pillars” are: n Building Solid Client Relationships — “Partnering with our clients is really the key to success. That involves going above and beyond what is required,” Chagnon said. “We understand that the services we provide can positively contribute to our partners’ successes, and we definitely want them to be successful.” mately 125 vehicles — from sedans to 44-passenger buses. That n Employing Great People — “You can’t provide great cusincludes 14- and 25-passenger buses from Micro Bird Inc. tomer service without great employees,” he added. “We are no “We have been working with Micro Bird for the past four years, longer a small business, but we still have a very strong corporate and have been very pleased,” Chagnon said. “We were looking for culture in place. That has greatly contributed to our success. There dependable, high quality and better built vehicles, and came across are numerous employees who have worked at Valet Park of AmerMicro Bird.

We found successes after our initial purchase, and now ica for 25 or more years. have 20 Micro Birds in our fleet. We hope to purchase more in the “The retention rate of many of our employees is quite high. They future.” are like family. If you met them, you would probably think they He added the company’s Micro Bird buses are used for many own the business, due to their enthusiasm. They are passionate types of transportation work, such as employee shuttles, about what they do.” college/university transportation, weddings, group travel and conn Operating High-End Vehicles — “It’s imperative that we alventions. ways use dependable, clean and safe vehicles,” Chagnon said.

“Obviously, we are not providing some of those services right The current fleet at Valet Park of America consists of approxi-

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now due to the pandemic, but our Micro Birds will be ready when those services resume,” Chagnon said. “We have been very happy with our relationship with Micro Bird. The company’s turnaround capabilities are great — from the time we order a vehicle to the time we receive it is short and very impressive.

“We have also found that the Micro Bird buses perform very well, especially for the Northeast, where we have to contend with cold, snow and road salt. Those conditions are especially hard on a vehicle’s doors and floors. The Micro Bird vehicles are built in Canada, and are made for harsh weather. They have held up very well for us.”

All vehicles at Valet Park of America are equipped with specific amenities to help enhance the passenger experience. Depending on the type of travel requirement and vehicle, such amenities can include Wi-Fi, DVD players, reading lights, reclining seats, rear luggage compartments and overhead storage.

“Operationally, we have onboard dash cams for added safety,” Chagnon said. “We also use a fleet management system that monitors vehicles when it comes to maintenance and gas usage, which is fantastic.”

It was standard practice long before COVID-19 for quality bus/motorcoach operators to keep their equipment clean and attractive. Since the pandemic, however, it’s more essential than ever for vehicles to not only be properly cleaned, but also sanitized — and as often as possible.

“Our drivers play a key role in the cleaning and sanitizing process. They have the necessary supplies to sweep, clean windows and wipe things down. That is done at the beginning of their

shifts, and throughout the day,” Chagnon said. “Obviously, with COVID-19, the focus on cleanliness has grown. That includes sanitizing high-touch areas such as hand rails, arm rests and other parts of a seat. With COVID-19, the emphasis on proper cleaning and maintaining a vehicle has intensified.

“In our mind, it’s also important to have a good looking vehicle pull up when taking passengers to their destinations. And, vehicles must be dependable. Nobody wants a breakdown. Safety is also imperative. We are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and must continously pass inspections.”

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ith an estimated population of 153,000-plus residents, Springfield is the third-largest city in Massachusetts, the fourth-most populous city in New England and the 12th-most populous city in the northeastern United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Metropolitan Springfield, meanwhile, has an estimated population of over 631,000 residents. It’s also perfectly located for Valet Park of America.

“I like where we are, not far from Boston, Hartford, CT, Albany, NY, and New York City. It’s also easy for us to reach other locations in the Northeast, including ski resorts,” Chagnon said. “We can travel to the Atlantic Ocean or the mountains in Vermont in an hour and a half. Because we operate several regional offices, those travel times can become even shorter.

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“It’s all about adapting and lenges of snow and ice on roads “It’s important that we offer a good evolving with the times. and vehicles — as well as damcorporate culture for our employees.

Many things are new to us, as age from road salt — we have a company, when it comes to done very well over the years in We’re a family-run business, and have fighting the virus. The same is the Northeast.” always been very flexible and true for many businesses,” Valet Park of America’s corporate headquarters in Spring- accommodating to our employees’ needs.” Chagnon said.

Prior to COVID-19, findfield includes a three-bay maintenance facility and two acres of parking for the com- ing quality employees was a common challenge for transportation providers. That was largely due to low unemployment pany’s fleet.

“Most of our regional offices also have some form of vehi- rates experienced in most parts of the country. Finding good cle storage and office space capabilities,” Chagnon said. “Our drivers was especially hard. Although the current U.S. labor vehicles are periodically transported back to corporate head- market is different since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, the desire to provide a good working environment has not changed quarters for inspections. for Valet Park of America’s representatives.

We also have trans“There have been “It’s important that we offer a good corporate culture for our portation managers in employees,” Chagnon said. “We’re a family-run business, and each of our regions who new job responsibilities have always been very flexible and accommodating to our emmanage different vehicreated in response to ployees’ needs.” cles in our fleet.” the pandemic. ” Like all positions at Valet Park of America, driving a vehicle Other employees at is taken very seriously. It starts with finding driving candidates Valet Park of America include shuttle managers, maintenance personnel, drivers, dis- who have the proper licensing, medical and background repatchers, human resource and marketing teams as well as park- quirements and references.

“It’s also important to look for people who are polite, outing and valet attendants. There have even been new job responsibilities created in response to the current pandemic. going and show dedication to customer service. Once hired, That includes employees who assist at COVID-19 testing sites they are then properly trained,” he said. “We try our best to rein parking lots, such as directing traffic and assisting people tain all good employees through higher pay rates and benefits.

We also work hard on being flexible with our employees.” in other ways.

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It is very common for a cur- “It’s important that our drivers make sure cams. It all helps with our ongoing customer service and rent employee of the company to recommend Valet Park of their passengers can safely get home after safety training. You have to continuously keep customer America to people they know we drop them off at a specific place. and safety at the foreare seeking work. Chagnon We encourage our drivers to not only help service front,” Chagnon said. “Our said many good employees, including drivers, have been make a trip as pleasant as possible, but also company’s proprietary trainfound through such referrals. properly pick up and drop off passengers.” ing programs have been developed and perfected over a Valet Park of America em30-year period. That includes ploys both full- and part-time customer service and safety videos, webinars, manuals, ridedrivers, including those who are semi-retired and who foralongs, situational and in-person training. merly worked as firefighters, police officers and members of the military.

“Our training addresses the different environments and industries that drivers must be familiar with, including specific procedures and protocols that clients may have in place. Above all, we “Our company’s proprietary training stress the importance of being safe, polite and willing to assist.” programs have been developed and Regarding the latter point, Chagnon discussed a recent letter perfected over a 30-year period. from a passenger. At the conclusion of a trip, the person comThat includes customer service and safety plimented one of Valet Park of America’s drivers for helping him when his car would not start. videos, webinars, manuals, ride-alongs, “One of our drivers noticed that a recent passenger was having car trouble. The driver assisted that person,” Chagnon said. situational and in-person training.”

“It’s important that our drivers make sure their passengers can safely get home after we drop them off at a specific place. We Once hired, both initial and ongoing driver training takes encourage our drivers to not only help make a trip as pleasant place. Customer service and safety audits are also performed, as possible, but also properly pick up and drop off passengers. and feedback from passenger questionnaire forms is gathered.

“We also take pride in drivers who arrive early for pickup, “We look for different ways to obtain feedback regarding and who are cooperative during the trip. Sometimes, customers the services that drivers provide. That includes the use of dash

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with one of our clients for 28 years, and another for 26 years. Those kinds of relationships stem from our ability to provide consistent and quality customer service.”

It helps that Valet Park of America representatives can assist clients in a variety of ways.

“Since we provide parking services to colleges/universities, health care facilities and other clients, we are often able to help them solve more than one problem. That can involve various transportation options,” Chagnon said. “It’s all about fulfilling needs and evolving with those needs.

“As a company, and as an industry, we have been through other recessions and difficult times, but if we all stick to those things that are important — customer service, good employees and solid equipment — while working to solve problems for clients, we should all remain successful.”

Chagnon sees the potential for good days ahead once COVID19 subsides. He noted the bus/motorcoach industry has always had challenges — such as rising costs and increased government regulations — but there remains an undeniable need, among many groups, to travel via a bus or motorcoach.

“As the population continues to grow, I think our industry will continue to grow. Demand will persist for the many services this industry provides — and provides well,” Chagnon said. “Like most people, I’m curious as to how long the COVID-19 situation will last, and how many (bus/motorcoach) companies will unfortunately not survive. It will also be interesting to see how quickly demand for transportation

Keeping Valet Park of America’s name at the forefront of current and potential client consciousness is paramount during today’s slow business activity. That is where the company’s marketing and branding efforts come into play.

s a well-known saying goes — adapted from a line in the poem “To A Mouse,” by eighteenth century Scottish poet Robert Burns: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” That has certainly been the case in 2020 for Valet Park of America, and many other transportation companies, in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We typically set our company’s goals in January, and had been very fortunate — during the first 29 years — to reach those goals, helping us further grow the business. We set similar goals for the beginning of this year, and then the pandemic hit. Obviously, our level of business has been impacted by COVID-19. Regardless, I remain optimistic about the near and long-term future of our company,” Chagnon said. “We are starting to see certain services reopen. I feel we are going to be OK this year, and look forward to 2021. We have a number of rebookings, while working on bids for future projects. That is exciting.”

Keeping Valet Park of America’s name at the forefront of current and potential client consciousness is paramount during today’s slow business activity. That is where the company’s marketing and branding efforts come into play. Word-of-mouth referrals are also important.

“Referrals are often the result of successful long-term relationships that have been built with clients,” he said. “We have been doing business

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bounces back, from various businesses and colleges/universities, after the pandemic. Right now it’s hard to predict, but we (at Valet Park of America) remain optimistic.”

this company. I really couldn’t have done it without any of them.”

Other family members Chagnon listed: son Adam Chagnon, brotherin-law Jay Schmidt, Angie Chagnon’s uncle Michael Montemagni, Michael’s grandson Zack Philbrick, Chagnon’s niece Crystal LaBrecque, and his sister Olivia Kubetin.

A TRUE FAMILY BUSINESS Not only is family important to Chagnon and his co-workers, so too are ver the past 30 years, Chagnon said he has been a “wearer of many the various communities that are serviced by the transportation provider.

Charitable events that the company is involved with include free shuttle hats” since beginning Valet Park of America in 1990. “I laugh when I start thinking about all the different roles I have played rides to Christmas light displays for cancer patients and their families. It’s within this company since its beginning, which often happens when you during those events that Valet Park of America staff often serve hot chocoare building a business. It includes marketing, bidding on jobs, reviewing and late, coffee and donuts. Similar free shuttle rides to the displays are also negotiating contracts, purchasing vehicles, driving vehicles, hiring employees, provided for military personnel and their families, as the company has looking at new sites, etc.,” Chagnon said. “There is not much I haven’t been worked over the years with the USO (United Service Organizations). involved with over the years, and that has helped me learn and grow.

“We have been participating in those projects for 10 to 15 years, and “Overall, I have found the parking and transportation business seg- have received a great response,” Chagnon said. “In addition, we frements to be a good career choice. Like anything, it’s all about the amount quently donate parking services to many different organizations, both of work you are willing to put in, which often determines if you are suc- local and national, and have participated in several fundraisers with cessful or not.” many of our clients.”

Among Chagnon’s current co-workers at Valet Park of America are the Valet Park of America, in association with one of the company’s health following family members: wife Angie Chagnon, senior vice president care clients, has also donated transportation for patients who are providing and business partner since the start of the company; brother Mike their antibodies to a laboratory, in an effort to halt COVID-19.

Chagnon, vice president of quality control; sister Joyce Cote, senior “We try to do as much as we can for, and with, our communities, as account manager; sister Janice Saporito, payroll account manager; and needs arise,” Chagnon said. “Like our clients, it’s important to help our niece Maggie Gaughan, payroll manager. communities grow and be successful.”

“It’s a huge benefit for me to have family members work here. We are very fortunate. There have been a lot of family members who have conContact: Valet Park of America, 185 Spring St., tributed,” Chagnon said. “My father-in-law, James Montemagni, and Springfield, MA 01105. Phone: 1-866-888-2538. brother-in-law, Jimmy Cote, had integral roles when starting and building Website: www.valetparkofamerica.com.

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Fond du Lac Area Transit

Two Main Goals Transit Manager Lynn Gilles

I

Safety & Punctuality

By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor

n order to be designated an “urban” system, a public transit agency must serve a population of more than 50,000 people. Fond du Lac Area Transit (FDLAT), of Fond du Lac, WI, reached that classification in 2003, making it the smallest urbanized system in the United States that operates fixed-routes, explained FDLAT Transit Manager Lynn Gilles, during a recent interview with Busline Magazine.

“Economic Development At Its Finest” Page 28

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Assistant Transit Manager Joey Kunde

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According to the National Center for Mobility Management, an area that contains a city of 50,000 or more population, plus incorporated surrounding areas, and meets size or density criteria established by the U.S. Census Bureau, is considered an urbanized area.

“FDLAT primarily services the city of Fond du Lac and the village of North Fond du Lac,” Gilles said. “In addition to our fixed-routes, we offer Americans With Disabilities (ADA) paratransit services, which we run in connection with Fond du Lac County, as well as a school tripper route and a shared ride taxi service.”

Fond du Lac is located at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago in east central Wisconsin, about an hour each from Milwaukee (the largest city in the state), Madison (the state capital) and Fond du Lac Area Transit is adhering to Wisconsin Gov. (Tony) Evers’ mandatory order that people must wear Green Bay. masks on buses. Pictured are Assistant Transit Manager Joey Kunde (left) and Transit Manager Lynn Gilles.

“Fond du Lac” is French for “bottom” or “farthest point” of the lake.

“We operate eight fixed-routes, averaging 350,000 miles per year, Lake Winnebago, covering 137,700 acres, is the largest lake lo- with a ridership of nearly 250,000 people per year. Prior to COVIDcated entirely within the state of Wisconsin, and is a prime tourist 19, ridership was holding pretty steady. When the pandemic hit, riddestination known for its fishing, windsurfing, snowmobiling and ership dropped to about 10 percent of normal capacity. Now, it is back ice fishing. up to about 50 percent of what it was prior to the coronavirus.”

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Indeed, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in midto accomplish during this period was keeping all of its employees March, business began to change dramatically in all segments, as working, Gilles said. “Nobody has been laid off or furloughed. We are very happy our many companies faced cutbacks in sales and services, if not having employees have not missed a paycheck,� Gilles said. “We have to shut down completely. The public transportation industry was kept drivers busy by doing extra cleaning and other chores we had also severely impacted as ridership plummeted. Public transit opput on the back burner. We have also gotten some painting done.� erations remained open, for the most part, as they were deemed essential, but drastic changes and cuts in service became the norm. “Nobody has been laid off or furloughed.

Public transit agencies, including FDLAT, We are very happy our employees have not took to heart the responsibility of keeping its employees and the riding public as safe as possible. missed a paycheck. We have kept drivers According to statistics compiled by the New busy by doing extra cleaning and other York Times, as of August 31, Wisconsin had chores we had put on the back burner.� logged 80,311 cases of COVID-19 statewide, with 1,132 deaths. Meanwhile, Fond du Lac As of mid-August, FDLAT was in the process of bouncing back County reported 1,093 cases, resulting in 10 deaths. from the draconian cuts in service that were necessary earlier as “The first thing we did in mid-March was to make sure everythe pandemic took hold in the state. body was safe,� Gilles said. “We made masks available, as well as “We reinstituted fare collection on July 1, with an exact change hand sanitizers, gloves, etc. We instigated a rear-door entrance and policy. It is a contactless kind of process, so our drivers don’t have exit policy on buses, and roped off a good portion of the front of to touch money. Cash and vouchers go into a bag and then to the buses to keep our drivers and passengers at a safe distance. office. Everything gets disinfected to keep our drivers safe,� Gilles “In addition, we quit collecting fares, and got rid of some of our said. “Also, in July, in addition to reinstituting fare, we brought all extra peak-hour service.� the service back that was initially cut. A lot of our riders are still Gilles also did something that went against the grain of everyreluctant to get on the bus, and we understand their concerns. Howthing a typical public transportation manager is trying to accomever, with ridership as low as it is, we are able to maintain social plish — she issued public statements advising people to stay home distancing. and not ride the bus, unless absolutely necessary.

Perhaps one of the most significant victories FDLAT was able “Furthermore, Wisconsin Gov. (Tony) Evers instituted a mandatory

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order that people must wear masks on buses, which we have been following. To inform riders, we put the mask policy on our Facebook page, issued press releases, and handed out memos on buses. Fortunately, we have had almost 100 percent compliance by our riders. It was not even a thing. Nobody has made a fuss. They just took it gracefully, and now almost everybody is wearing a mask.”

With nearly 100 percent of FDLAT’s riders following the mask wearing policy, it has taken some pressure off the system’s bus operators.

“We said we will require masks to be worn on the bus as per the governor’s policy, but the question remained, how would we enforce compliance, given that police are so inundated with other issues at this time?” Gilles said.

FDLAT officials were wary of requiring bus operators to act as proxy law enforcement agents to enforce the mask wearing edict, as there has been some violent incidents nationwide associFond du Lac Area Transit bus drivers include, left to right, Sean Kostritza, ated with people not wanting to wear a mask Kim Bernthal, Linda Kurtz and Carolyn Galvez. when visiting a business, restaurant, etc. of the U.S. economy, including public transportation, is what will “For their own safety, we advised drivers, if passengers don’t the post-COVID-19 world look like? While no one has a crystal want to wear a mask, do not escalate the situation,” Gilles said. ball, FDLAT officials are moving ahead to update its transit devel“Now, we are working on a plan for keeping everybody safe with opment plan, an effort which typically takes place every five to the return to school. We have been working hard with the school seven years. district to make sure that things are carried out in a safe manner “We are about ready to start updating the transit development for the school year.” plan,” Gilles said. “For example, at one time we offered some One of the burning questions on everyone’s mind in all segments

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weekend service, which we no longer have in place. We are getting The city was without transit service until August 1968, when, calls to expand service into the weekend, which we will study. with the permission of the city council, the Fondy Area Bus CoopWe are also going to be looking at other issues including route erative was formed to provide public transit services. In 1970, the expansions, service day links, electric bus planning and microbus cooperative requested a city subsidy to cover operating losses. transit service.

In 1972, a Bus Study “We conduct user and Committee was formed to “We are about ready to start updating non-user surveys to see if study the future operations of the transit development plan. things the public are calling transit service. The subsidy for are feasible. As a result and public ownership quesFor example, at one time we offered of our last transit develoption was placed, as a referensome weekend service, which we ment plan, we instituted dum, on the November 7, no longer have in place.� more hours of service dur1972 ballot. ing the day and expanded In view of the strong pubsome routes to service health care facilities in the area. We will lic support demonstrated by the referendum vote, and based upon implement whatever changes or additions to service the new dethe recommendations of a consultant, the city council voted to purvelopment plan outlines.� chase the Fondy Area Bus Cooperative on Dec. 20, 1972. On Jan. 15, 1973, Fond du Lac Area Transit began operations.

A CLOSE-KNIT RIDERSHIP COMMUNITY In recent years, demographic studies have shown the majority of FDLAT’s ridership is people who are dependent on public transit hile the history of public transportation in Fond du to meet their transportation needs.

Lac dates to the 1880s with mule-drawn carriages While a transit dependent ridership is not unusual among public and street cars, modern bus travel began in the city transportation agencies, it seems FDLAT’s riders are different in in 1944, with the founding of Fond du Lac City Bus Lines. that they view riding the bus as more than just a way to get to work From 1944 and 1958, a number of firms provided transit servor school or the grocery store, etc. ice for the Fond du Lac area. In 1958, the Fond du Lac Bus ComAnecdotal evidence indicates the bus, for many passengers, pany was formed, and continued to supply bus service until is a place to feel comfortable, safe and to engage in social inrising costs and stagnant ridership forced it to halt bus operations teractions. As such, FDLAT’s riding community has become a in December 1967. close-knit group.

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“We have a great group of systems had to shut down “We have little free libraries on all of drivers and we have a real and others had to severely community of riders. Their our buses. Riders are welcome to take cut service, we knew we time on the bus is very spehad to keep going to ensure a book and pass it forward.” cial to them,” Gilles said. “I people got to their jobs, think that really came out medical appointments, nuduring COVID-19. People were missing their friends and the opertrition centers, etc. We knew there was no other way for them to ators they typically saw every day. Riders have gotten to know and get to where they needed to go.” trust their drivers.

FDLAT’s customer service philosophy can be encapsulated in “A large number of our folks are limited in their economic two principles — safety and being on time. choices. Many don’t have cars, yet they need to get to work, “Safety is paramount,” Gilles said. “In addition, running on time school, grocery shopping, the doctor etc. goes hand-in-hand with safety in importance.”

“When the pandemic hit, we heard there were people who When it comes to passenger safety, FDLAT has a solid relationweren’t going to eat if they couldn’t get to work. While some transit ship with local law enforcement officers. However, incidents that would require police intervention on a bus are rare.

“We work very well with the Fond du Lac Police Department.

Only one or two times a year do we have an incident on a bus where someone isn’t behaving properly.

We don’t even have problems with graffiti,” Gilles said with a laugh.

“We just have a really good group of riders who respect the drivers and the buses.”

To further enhance safety on buses, the system replaced older security cameras this year.

FDLAT has provided its ridership community with several amenities and programs to make a bus trip enjoyable and even educational. An app designed to give passengers pertinent information in real time has proven to be very popular.

“One of the findings of our last transit development plan was we should design and offer a real-time app,” Gilles said. “Providing riders with real-time information, such as when their bus will be arriving, has been a huge success.”

In conjunction with the real-time app, Wi-Fi is available on all buses.

In addition to riding the bus, another popular “gathering” place for the system’s customers is FDLAT’s Facebook page.

“We have a really robust group of followers on our Facebook page,” Gilles said. “We keep riders abreast of all the things going on at Fond du Lac Area Transit, as well as information on detours, time changes, etc. People are happy to share the news they read on our Facebook page.”

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doing it this year. In normal times, free fare day is really a big deal for our riders.

“Also, in normal times, we try to be out in the community as much as possible, whether it be at the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac or at the farmers market — wherever people gather, we try to have a presence.”

FDLAT representatives make themselves available to speak to groups about the benefits of public transportation and to teach how to best use the system.

“We have spoken at Moraine Park “We started a marketing internship about five Technical College and a couple of the years ago, where we bring in a local college private colleges in the city,” Gilles said. student to help us over the summer. At the end “We also visit senior centers to educate people how to ride our system, and have of the summer, we have a free fare day to help spoken to young people at the Boys & people plan their routes to and from school.”

Girls Club — any time anyone or an organization asks, we will be there.”

Especially popular with children is FDLAT’s free rides to the liBecause they have grown up in a time of more awareness of environmental issues, many believe the younger generation is brary program. During the summer, one day of the week, showing embracing mass transportation modes, including public transit, a library card will get a student a free ride to the Fond du Lac Pubas a viable option to driving a car. Gilles said her interactions lic Library and home again.

One popular offering at the end of the summer has been freewith students seem to reflect that sentiment. fare day. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, the day was can“I think young people see the importance of mass transit. They understand, from an ecology standpoint, it is about using receled this year. sources correctly — i.e., one person in one car versus 30 people “We started a marketing internship about five years ago, where on a bus,” Gilles said. “Furthermore, there are practical benefits we bring in a local college student to help us over the summer,” such as not having to pay to park or for a parking pass.”

Gilles said. “At the end of the summer, we have a free fare day to help people plan their routes to and from school. We will not be Would she recommend public transportation as a possible caeducation and literacy, riding a FDLAT bus can also be an educational or literary experience.

“We have little free libraries on all of our buses,” Gilles said.

“Riders are welcome to take a book and pass it forward. The library displays have about two dozen books available. When they get low, we refill them, either through donations or with the Fond du Lac Public Library’s overstock. We work with the library in offering that program.”

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reer opportunity for young high school or college graduates?

Gilles said, “I was just talking to my nephew, Jack, about this the other day. He has worked in social services and has a master’s degree. I asked him, ‘Have you ever considered public transit as a career?’ I told him how much I like my job because it goes from the ‘sublime’ to the ‘ridiculous’ on any given day. One day I’m cleaning out a transit shelter and a week later I’m in Washington, D.C., talking to our congressional representatives.

“There is so much variety in what I do, and I’ve always thought that was such an attractive part of the job. Plus, I actually feel like I’m doing something good for society. We are keeping this engine running and people are getting to work, seeing their doctors and traveling to and from school.”

When COVID-19 hit with a vengeance in mid-March, Fond du Lac Area Transit A couple of other popular services FDLAT ofprovided employees with masks, sanitizers, gloves, etc. Wearing their masks are, fers are its Shared Ride Taxi and its ADA-certileft to right, bus drivers Jeff Hlavacka, Mary King and Mark Dorow. fied paratransit program, called “Handi-Van.” Shared Ride Taxi: Offered via an arrangea joint cooperative effort with the city of Fond du Lac and Fond ment between FDLAT and a private city taxi company. The servdu Lac County, and is for citizens who are unable to use regular ice is for individuals within the city of Fond du Lac who reside fixed-route service. or wish to travel more than 1/4 mile from a fixed-route and are “Handi-Van is a door-to-door service with an annual average ridwithin a designated shared ride taxi service area; and, ership of about 20,000 trips a year,” Gilles said. “While riders like Handi-Van: A wheelchair equipped paratransit van service, is the spontaneity and social aspects of riding fixed-route service, we

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human touch of having a FDLAT employee on board is needed. understand that some folks have challenges that make using “There is also the question of how will a driverless bus be Handi-Van a better choice.” monitored. Will it be by someone sitting in a room somewhere Gilles continually keeps abreast and investigates developing looking at a screen?” technologies that might be viable options for FDLAT to impleIt has also been suggested by some that driverless vehicles will ment in the future. result in substantial labor cost savings for transit agencies. Gilles One such technology gaining in popularity in the public transit thinks providing the “human factor” in servicing customers must industry is electric buses. Implementing an electric bus program be considered along with trying to mitigate labor costs. at FDLAT has its challenges, at this time.

“I continue to study how we might introduce electric buses into our fleet sometime in the fu“There is so much variety in what I do, ture. For now, we have facility issues that and I’ve always thought that was such an would need to be overcome, such as our service lanes aren’t wide enough,” Gilles said. attractive part of the job. I actually feel like “Furthermore, our bus parking spots are too I’m doing something good for society. small, and the cold weather we experience is We are keeping this engine running...” an issue when it comes to battery range.

“I will continue to investigate electric bus technology, while talking with agencies in the state that are “Getting rid of labor costs doesn’t have to be our primary thinking about putting them into operation. We are going to take goal,” she said. our lead from the larger systems.”

And then there are the drivers themselves, who are the kind Another much talked-about technology is autonomous buses. of people who know their riders and have the skills to make them There are many opinions and ideas about how driverless buses feel safe and comfortable using public transit. will be used in a public transit setting.

“We have been very lucky. We have a really good group of op“I’m not sure about full-scale application of autonomous erators,” Gilles said. “We understand it is not work that just anybuses. I think about all that our drivers do as far as helping peobody can do. Drivers must be well trained and well suited to ple plan a route or giving aid to the physically or mentally chalserve the riding public. We are very thankful for them.”

FDLAT compensates drivers well and treats them like the prolenged,” Gilles said. “Then, there is the social aspect of riding fessionals they are, Gilles said. The transit system has a good the bus that our riding community enjoys. Therefore, I think the

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track record when it comes to retaining quality bus operators.

“I know a lot of transit systems have a hard time finding good drivers, but we have been fortunate. We had three drivers retire recently. Three people applied and we hired all three of them,” Gilles said. “It seems that when we hire someone, he/she stays here until retirement. In 17 years of running the system, I’ve only had one person quit, and that was to follow a dream in a different career path. We just don’t have people quit for ‘greener pastures.’ Our drivers like what they do, and they like their riders and co-workers. We make sure they know they are appreciated.

“For me, the biggest thing is the great staff we have. In addition to the drivers, another great asset is Assistant Manager Joey Kunde. She is my right hand, and is just wonderful at what she does.”

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POST COVID-19 OUTLOOK

hen the COVID-19 crisis is over in six months, a year, two years, whenever, what will the “new normal” look like? A lot of people would like to know, but nobody knows for sure.

When it comes to public transportation in Fond du Lac, Gilles said there will be some new habits carried over from the pandemic, but, for the most part, people will return to trusting riding the bus.

“There will be some changes prompted by the pandemic, such as touchless fare collection and greater measures to ensure the health and safety of riders and drivers. Because we serve a lot of people who depend on public transit, I think we will bounce back to the ridership numbers we have had in the past, Gilles said. “Mass transit is needed and has a place here. It is not going anywhere. Furthermore, the younger generation is realizing the importance of public transportation as a driver of economic growth, as well as its environmental benefits.

“We don’t need to make our streets any wider. There are better solutions.”

Gilles thinks the public transportation industry has made strides in changing the public’s oftentimes negative image of riding a bus. One of the keys, she said, is getting a person on a bus to experience taking a trip first-hand.

“People are often pleasantly surprised when they take that first bus ride and see that the accommodations are clean and comfortable,” she said. “On the bus, you are either nice and cool or nice and warm and the people are friendly. Public transit really is economic development at its finest. We are moving people to jobs, to retail centers, etc. — all it takes is that first bus ride for a person to become a fan of public transportation.”

Contact: Fond du Lac Area Transit, 530 N. Doty, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

Phone: 920-322-3650.

Website: fdl.wi.gov/transi.

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Austin Mohawk and Company, Inc. 2175 Beechgrove Pl., Utica, NY 13501 USA 888-632-0273 Email: sales@austinmohawk.com Website: www.austinmohawk.com Products: A selection of pre-manufactured structures of bus and transit shelters. Built with high quality aluminum or steel. Shelters are durable, attractive, and can be equipped with budget-conscious features such as LED solar lighting. All Austin Mohawk shelters meet or exceed International Building Code (IBC) standards. Fast turnaround times and professional installation available anywhere in the continental United States. Product line-up includes pre-manufactured buildings, shelters, press boxes, and overhead metal canopies. Custom built structures are modular and functional. 19

Columbia Equipment Co., Inc. 72 Albany Ave., Freeport, NY 11520 USA 516-442-3340 Website: www.columbiaequipment.com Products: A North American manufacturer of prefabricated aluminum bus shelters since 1961. Available in standard and custom designs, in a variety of sizes and configurations, and in all price ranges.

Product line includes bus stop shelters, windscreens, smoking shelters, information kiosks, ticket vending shelters and custom street furniture. 19

Daytech Limited 70 Disco Rd., Toronto, ON M9W 1L9 CANADA 877-329-1907 Email: info@daytechlimited.com Website: www.daytechlimited.com Products: A North American manufacturer of pre-fabricated transit shelters, bike shelters, canopies, street furniture and transit signage.

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BikeLid LLC P.O. Box 408, 3430 Evergreen Point Rd. Medina, WA 98039 USA 509-423-9195 Website: www.BikeLid.com Products: Durable and secure public parking bike locker. Tough, lightweight, graffiti resistant polyethylene shell, reinforced by steel, attached by spring-loaded hinge to a steel bike guide/frame. 20

Brasco International, Inc. 32400 Industrial Dr. Madison Heights, MI 48071 USA 800-893-3665 Email: info@brasco.com Website: www.brasco.com Products: Bus stop shelters, BRT station shelters, bike shelters, transit shelters, solar powered LED safety bollards, windscreens, advertising boxes, solar powered ad box retrofits, custom glass etching, roof retrofits, benches, bike racks, waste receptacles, shopping cart corrals, advertising signs, solar lighting retrofits, shade shelters, leaning rails, covered walkways and canopies. 20

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American Seating’s Ed Clark Becomes Chairman; Tom Bush Named CEO

American Seating has announed that longtime Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of the Board Edward Clark is moving to the chairman role. President/Chief Operating Officer Thomas Bush has been appointed CEO. Bush has been with American Seating for 29 years and served as the chief financial officer before being named president in 2007.

As chairman, Clark will continue to lead American Seating’s board of directors as president/CEO. Bush will serve on the board, lead the company’s development of shortand long-term strategies, and manage the company’s overall resources and operations.

Clark led a group of private investors to purchase American Seating from Atlanta-based Fuqua, Inc., in 1987, bringing ownership of the long-time Grand Rapids, MI-based company back to the region after several years under Fuqua.

“Founded in 1886 by Grand Rapidians, American Seating always has maintained manufacturing operations in Grand Rapids. Corporate headquarters has been on the same campus

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on the northwest side of the city for most of the company’s existence,” said the company.

Edward Clark

Tom Bush

Clark said, “A major reinvestment and renovation of the American Seating campus occurred in 2003. Historic buildings were preserved and repurposed while modern living and working environments were created. The area became known as American Seating Park.

“The development represented a commitment to our employees as well as to our community.

September/October 2020

Many options were explored, but, after careful consideration, we decided at that time to remain on the west side of Grand Rapids.”

According to a press release, “For nearly 35 years, Clark has been instrumental in keeping the company in West Michigan, and with a UAW union workforce.

“Over the years, American Seating’s architectural environments and transportation seating business lines expanded. In 2017, the company made a strategic decision to divest the architectural environments business and concentrate all resources on transportation.

Today, American Seating focuses solely on seating and securement solutions for the transportation industry.”

Bush said, “During his tenure as CEO, Ed has led American Seating with a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to our employees, customers and the city of Grand Rapids. I am proud to succeed him in this role, and we are all grateful for, and proud of his leadership.”

For more information, visit www.americanseating.com.

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Avail Technologies, Inc.

1960 Old Gatesburg Rd., Suite 200, State College, PA 16803 USA 814-234-3394 Website: www.availtec.com Products: A fully integrated suite of products, designed to meet the specific needs of transit properties. Avail’s offerings include automatic passenger counters and fare collection products. 20 Brush Industries

301 Reagan St., Sunbury, PA 17801 USA 570-286-5611 Website: www.brushindustries.com Products: Long life magnetic recording heads and card readers for the smart card and magnetic stripe card industries. 20

Electronic Data Magnetics (EDM), Inc.

210 Old Thomasville Rd., High Point, NC 27260 USA 800-336-8115 Email: contactus@electronicdata.com Website: www.electronicdata.com Products: EDM offers short, medium and long-term solutions for revenue collection requirements. 20 Evolis

Rising Sun Mills, 188 Valley St., Suite 421, Providence, RI 02909 USA 401-751-5483 Website: www.evolis.com Products: Fare products for public transportation companies and agencies to better control their revenues. Products include transit badges. 20

Continued On Page 61

Crane Payment Innovations (CPI)

3222 Phoenixville Pike, Suite 200, Malvern, PA 19355 USA 610-430-2700 Website: www.cranepi.com Products: Fare collection products and services. 20 Cubic Transportation Systems

9333 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123 USA 858-277-6780 Website: www.cubic.com Products: An integrator of payment and information technology and services for intelligent travel solutions. Turnkey solutions support all public transport modes including bus and bus rapid transit. 20

THE DIAMOND FAMILY

Diamond Manufacturing Inc.

See Ad At Right 2330 Burlington St., N. Kansas City, MO 64116 USA 800-343-1009, 816-421-8363 Email: todcull@aol.com Website: www.diamondmfg.com Company Officers: Todd and Pam Cull Products: Diamond Manufacturing offers a line of fare collection equipment to the transit industry. It supplies traditional, manual fare boxes, donation boxes and a fare box with a remote fare dump option.

Diamond’s traditional fare boxes are the round units (Models H, E-5, D), which are designed to accept coins, tokens and tickets; and, rectangular units (Models RV, SV, XV, NV), which are designed to accept dollar bills, coins, tokens, tickets, passes and similar fare media. Donation boxes come in three sizes to fit most applications. These units can be mounted in a variety of ways: on the modesty panel or stanchion pole in either a vertical or horizontal position. Models F-1 and F-24 remote dump fare boxes can be mounted away from the driver with a push button dump feature. These models can be paired with smart card readers. 20

Serving The Industry Since 1947 Made in the U.S.A.

diamondmfg.com 800-343-1009 816-421-8363

September/October 2020

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

BYD

BYD

40’ Battery-Electric Bus (K9) BYD’s 40-foot bus is the company’s best-selling model, ideal for medium and large cities.

Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the cleanest, safest, most cost-effective way to move people from point-to-point.

BYD brings dependable, zero-emission service to public transit, university campuses, airports and corporate campuses — all at a lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG. BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

60’ Battery-Electric Bus (K11) BYD’s 60-foot articulated transit bus is perfect for moving large numbers of passengers. With a capacity of up to 55 seated passengers plus 65 standing (120 total), it is ideal for urban transit systems and high-volume shuttles at airports, universities, sports venues, performing arts centers and parking facilities.

Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the cleanest, safest and most cost-effective way to move people from point-to-point. Clean air and quiet communities now go hand-in-hand with affordable transportation.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model..................................................................................................................K9 Seating Capacity...............................................................................Up to 37+1 Overall Length.............................................................................................40.2’ Overall Width.................................................................................................102” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase...................................................................................................246.1” Turning Radius..............................................................................................41.7’

Model .................................................................................................................K11 Seating Capacity ..............................................................................Up to 55+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................60.7’ Overall Width.................................................................................................102” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase ....................................................................................239.6”/275.6” Turning Radius.............................................................................................39.4’

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 156 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3.5-4 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 220 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 5-5.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

BYD

BYD

30’ Battery-Electric Bus (K7M ER)

35’ Battery-Electric Bus (K9S)

Designed for transit applications, the K7M ER offers a range of up to 185 miles in a 102-inch wide body. Transit systems demand high quality and extreme reliability, and the Americanbuilt K7M ER delivers.

Also available in a 96-inch wide body version with a range up to 150 miles. This version is popular as a shuttle at universities, airports and corporate campuses.

BYD’s 35-foot bus maintains the range of the company’s larger buses but in a smaller form factor, resulting in an extremely efficient vehicle.

Using no fossil fuels of any kind, BYD’s battery-electric buses are the cleanest, safest and most cost-effective way to move people from point-to-point. Clean air and quiet communities now go hand-in-hand with affordable transportation.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model.........................................................................................................K7M ER Seating Capacity..............................................................................Up to 20+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................29.9’ Overall Width.................................................................................................102” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase ..................................................................................................175.8” Turning Radius ............................................................................................30.9’

Model ...............................................................................................................K9S Seating Capacity ..............................................................................Up to 32+1 Overall Length .............................................................................................35.8’ Overall Width.................................................................................................102” Overall Height...............................................................................................134” Wheelbase..................................................................................................222.7” Turning Radius.............................................................................................35.4’

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 215 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3.5-4 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available

• 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Proven lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG • New leasing options significantly reduce up-front costs • Up to 170 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 3.5-4 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • On-route inductive charging available September/October 2020

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

Prevost

BYD

Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach

45’ Double Decker Coach (C10MS) BYD’s highest-capacity zero-emission coach is the 45-foot double decker C10MS. With sophisticated exterior styling and a spacious, modern interior, it is ideal for moving large groups of people. Upper and lower levels, with large windows, provide panoramic views of the landscape — ideal for scenic tours, shuttles to attractions and to corporate campuses.

Passengers will experience one of the most comfortable rides available — and will step off feeling good about their contribution to a healthier world.

BYD 1800 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 800-BYD-AUTO Email: info.na@byd.com • Website: www.byd.com

Model...........................................................................................................C10MS Seating Capacity...............................................................................Up to 77+1 Overall Length ................................................................................................45’ Overall Width.................................................................................................102” Overall Height...............................................................................................160” Wheelbase .........................................................................................283.3/53.1” Turning Radius................................................................................................49’ • 100% battery electric with zero emissions • Lower total cost of ownership than diesel or CNG coaches • Up to 230 miles on a single charge • Full depot charging in 4-4.5 hours • 12-year full replacement warranty on BYD’s safe, non-toxic batteries • Highly customizable interior offering the latest features and finishes • Regenerative braking, reducing wear while charging the battery Page 46

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The iconic Prevost X3-45® sets a higher standard for a unique and upscale intercity commuter coach. The X3-45 Commuter™ provides a smooth, quiet ride for a relaxing commuting environment. Designed to provide quality, performance, and safety.

Buy America compliant, Exova-certified for structural integrity and Altoonatested for superior product value and lifecycle efficiency, the X3-45 Commuter Coach offers proven performance for the nation’s most demanding commuter routes. Developed with a focus on transit operation concerns such as passenger safety, accessibility, low operation costs and ease of maintenance, the vehicle offers the lowest overall height in the premium intercity coach market; while maintaining a best-in-class floor-to-ceiling height of 80 inches.

A rider’s commute is remarkably smooth and comfortable thanks to the longest wheelbase in the industry, while accessibility is enhanced by the revolutionary Swap & Plug Wheelchair Lift system, front kneeling suspension, and bifold doors that open to a passenger-friendly stairway in the expansive entrance.

The Prevost X3-45 Commuter includes three-point seat belts on a 20G rated welded rail system for an exceptionally secure passenger environment. Additionally, the coach can be outfitted with a WiFi system, state-of-the-art sound and video, and electrical outlets at each seat to keep passengers plugged in and in touch while commuting.

Prevost: 7900 National Service Rd., Greensboro, NC 27409 Tel: 877-773-8678 Email: prevostcar@volvo.com Website: www.prevostcar.com

Model..........................................................Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach Seating Capacity .............................................................................................57 Length...............................................................................................................45’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height .............................................................................................................134” Wheelbase .................................................................................................334.5” Overhang (front/rear) .............................................................72.30”; 86.60” Interior Height (min./max.).......................................Floor to ceiling - 80” Turning Radius................................................................................................47’ Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5 Engine .................EPA compliant Volvo D13 w/DPF and SCR, 445 HP, 13L Transmission .....................Allison World, 5th gen., 6-speed auto. trans.

Brakes................................................................All-wheel disc brakes w/ABS Fuel Tank Capacity ........................................................................213 U.S. gal.

Air Conditioning........................................................................................Bitzer Baggage Capacity..............................................................................513 cu. ft.

Wheelchair Lift Option ...............................Interchangeable swap & plug Steering .....Steering wheel w/tilt & telescopic, integral power steering Suspension.....................................................Wide-stance tuned suspension w/automatic unload tag axle

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® D45 CRT LE A new era in passenger accessibility and workhorse performance is here. Built for Commuter Rapid Transit (CRT), the MCI D45 CRT LE delivers all the advantages of a proven high-floor design, combined with a breakthrough Low-Entry (LE) vestibule for unprecedented accessibility, especially for passengers using mobility devices.

The ADA- and Buy America-compliant model was developed with evaluations from the National Council on Independent Living and the American Association for People with Disabilities, among others. Features include an automatic curb-level ramp that accommodates a wider variety of mobility aids such as next-generation motorized wheelchairs.

The forward door features an ergonomically-designed spiral entryway, enhanced lighting and supportive grab rails for comfort and visibility at entry.

The dual-entry technology cuts dwell times to match low-floor transit boarding times. Spacious, comfortable seating accommodates 54 passengers overall, adjusting to 52 when accommodating two passengers with mobility devices. Model variants underway include battery-electric propulsion, and a full high-floor coach model with or without a wheelchair lift.

Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com Model .................................................................................................D45 CRT LE Seating Capacity..................................................................................Up to 54 Overall Length .........................................................................................45' 10" Overall Height ...........................................................................................138.6" Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25” Wheelbase......................................................................................................315” Turning Radius..........................................................................................40’ 11” Fuel Tank Capacity .........................................................................182 gallons Fuel Options ..................................................Clean-diesel, Battery-electric GVWR ..................................................................................................54,000 lbs.

Engine Options.........................Cummins X12 or all-electric high-torque Siemens electric drive system Transmission.................................................................................Allison B500 Brakes ....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes

Motor Coach Industries

MCI® J4500/J3500 MCI introduces important advances on the best-selling MCI J4500, and a great new arrival – a compact MCI J3500 to meet increasing demand for a smaller coach. Featuring all the styling and performance of the 45-foot MCI J4500, with a maximum seating capacity of 60, the MCI J3500 seats 40 to 44 passengers, and offers top baggage capacity among all 35-foot vehicles.

Both models have best-in-class legroom and comfort for the driver, with a new high-definition instrument panel that provides key system messaging including tire pressure status, engine DPF regeneration notices and more.

A new swing-out styled electric e-fan cooling package provides full roadside engine access and fuel-efficiency improvements. A backup camera system and optional ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), with collision mitigation, are upgrades to the latest-generation Bendix Fusion and bird’s-eye view 360° camera system.

Motor Coach Industries; 200 East Oakton St., Des Plaines, IL 60018; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626; Fax: 847-285-2013 • Email: marketing@mcicoach.com; Website: www.mcicoach.com

Model .............................................................................................J4500/J3500 Overall Length..................................................................................45' 10"/35’ Overall Height .........................................................................................140.75” Seating Capacity................................................................Up to 60/Up to 44 Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25” Wheelbase........................................................................................315”/228.8” Turning radius ............................................................................40’ 11”/32’ 10” Fuel Tank Capacity.................................................................182 gal./164 gal.

Suspension..............................................................Independent front & tag GVWR .................................................................................54,000 / 42,000 lbs.

Engine .........................................................Cummins X12, 410 hp or 455 hp; optional Cummins L9, 350hp, 1150 lb-ft torque with engine brake Transmission ..............................Gen V Allison B500, 6-speed automatic with prognostics capability Brakes ....................................................Bendix® ADB22X™ Air Disc Brakes September/October 2020

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

New Flyer of America

Proterra

Xcelsior CHARGE™ New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product line under the Xcelsior® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands. It also offers infrastructure development through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe, sustainable, and reliable charging and mobility solutions. New Flyer has designed and manufactured over 48,000 heavy-duty transit buses, including more than 8,600 powered by electric motors and battery propulsion, and 1,900 that are zero-emission. New Flyer is the only North American Bus OEM offering all three types of zero-emission; battery-electric, fuel cell-electric, and trolley-electric.

The battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE™ is built with extended range battery technology made in America, electric motors with efficient regenerative energy recovery, the highest torque available for steep grade cities, and charging infrastructure compliant with industry standards.

Passengers on the Xcelsior CHARGE™ will experience the quietest transit bus ride available, unmatched accessibility with SmartRider™ technology, and best-in-class passenger carrying capacity. All is accomplished by optimized battery placements to comply with maximum gross axle and gross vehicle legal weight limits.

The Xcelsior CHARGE™ 40-foot configuration allows for up to 466 kWh battery capacity, obtaining realistic ranges of over 225 miles on a single charge, based on Federal Transit Administration test protocol. Xcelsior CHARGE™ is available in 35-, 40- and 60-foot articulated bus rapid transit models.

New Flyer of America, 6200 Glenn Carlson Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

Website: www.newflyer.com

Model ............................................Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric bus Seats .......................................................................................................Up to 40 Length....................................................41’ over bumpers/40’2” over body Width ...............................................................................................................102” Roof height ...............................................................11’1” over charging rails Interior height..................79” over front and rear axle; 95” mid-coach Wheelbase................................................................................................283.75” Motor...............................................Siemens ELFA2 Electric Drive System, standard or optional high gradeability Curb weight hybrid ................................30,500 lb. (approximate weight; varies with ESS configuration) Floor................Marine-grade plywood floor, optional composite floor, composite rear interior step, Tarabus, Altro, RCA floor covering Electrical system......................................................................Parker Vansco Cooling system .............................................................Electric cooling fans HVAC .....................................................................................Thermo King RLFE Axles..............................................................MAN VOK 07 front disc brakes; MAN HY-1350 rear disc brakes, single reduction axle Rapid charge.......................................................160 kWh, 213 kWh, 267 kWh Long range charge...........................................311 kWh, 388 kWh, 466 kWh Page 48

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Proterra ZX5 Battery-Electric Bus Built by the same experts behind the Catalyst — the most popular electric bus in North America — the new Proterra ZX5 transit vehicle takes efficiency to the next level. Built to be electric and refined based on a decade of deliveries, the ZX5 features faster acceleration, industry-leading gradeability, and the most battery storage on any 40-foot electric bus.

Up to 660 kWh of energy gives the ZX5 the longest range of any zero-emission, battery-electric bus in its class, so a single charge can take passengers more than 300 miles. Communities across North America have already put Proterra’s EV technology to the test through more than 13 million miles of service. Customers can choose from two vehicle sizes and can select their energy level, as well as charging solutions to meet the needs of their specific routes.

Proterra Inc. 1815 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 Phone: 864-438-0000 Email: sales@proterra.com Website: www.proterra.com Model...............................................................................................40’ ZX5 MAX Seating Capacity.............................................................................................40 Length.............................................................................................................510” Height..............................................................................................................128” Width ...............................................................................................................102” Engine .....................................................Dual independent 205 kW motors Type of fuel ...............................................Battery-Electric, up to 660 kWh Chassis ..............................................Monocoque Carbon-fiber-reinforced composite material HVAC .................................................................Overhead integrated system Wheelchair Lift Option.................................Front ADA power wheelchair ramp (4:1, 6:1 slope) Steering......................................................................................................Power Suspension ........................................Multi-Link Air Ride rear suspension

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles

Nova Bus

LFS HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Spirit Of Equess ARBOC’s Spirit of Equess, a low-floor transit bus built on an ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC, purpose-built chassis, can accommodate up to 33 seated passengers or 6 wheelchair passengers. This bus is fully accessible with a fully flat floor and no steps throughout the bus.

ARBOC’s advanced technology exceeds ADA guidelines with a 1:8 ramp slope and 39-inch door opening for passengers in need of extra assistance and wheelchair accessibility. This 10-year bus utilizes heavy-duty ZF axles, which allow plenty of GVW for extra standees.

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles 51165 Greenfield Pkwy., Middlebury, IN 46540 574-825-1720 Website: www.ARBOCsv.com

Based on the proven performance of the LFS platform, the LFS HEV® (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) upgrades its already advanced fuel-efficient engineering by adding a powerful, ultra-low emissions hybrid drive to cut fuel and maintenance costs.

Given optimal operating conditions, the LFS HEV offers up to 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel-powered buses. Other benefits include a significant reduction in noise levels, particularly at the rear of the vehicle and outside.

Nova Bus offers two different types of hybrid systems: parallel and series. In both parallel and series vehicles, braking energy normally lost as heat is recuperated through a generator and stored in the rooftop batteries. That’s why hybrid technologies are best suited for frequent stop-and-go conditions.

Also available, the high-capacity LFS Artic HEV is an attractive alternative for growing cities focused on sustainable development.

Starts and stops are smooth and the ride is stable, even in snowy conditions; the end result is a more enjoyable passenger experience.

Developing vehicles to help cities meet their sustainability objectives is part of Nova Bus’ vision to be the leader in green efficiency and Electro Mobility.

Nova Bus 260 Banker Road • Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: 518-566-6682 • Website: www.novabus.com Email: marketing.novabus@volvo.com

Model ........................................................................................Spirit of Equess Seating Capacity.........................Up to 33 ambulatory or 6 wheelchairs Length................................................................................................27’, 29’, 34’ Width...............................................................................................................100” Height .............................................................................................................102” Engine ....................................................Cummins ISB 6.7L Diesel/6.7G CNG Type of Fuel ......................................................................................Diesel/CNG Chassis...................................................................ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................Braun ramp Suspension ................................4-corner air suspension with 6 air bags

Model .......................................................................................................LFS HEV Seating Capacity...................................................................................up to 41 Length...............................................................................................................40’ Width ...............................................................................................................102” Height..............................................................................................................132” Engine ..........................................................................Cummins B6.7 280 HP Traction Drive .................................................Allison H 40 EP, BAE HDS200 Chassis .......................................................................Stainless Steel Integral Fuel ...............................................................................Diesel-electric Hybrid Air Conditioning ................................................................Thermo King, MCC Wheelchair Lift Option..............................................................Lift-U, Fedico Brakes ...........................ABS all-wheel disc brakes with traction control Radiator .....................................Nova eCooling - electric cooling system Floor.................................................................................................................Low September/October 2020

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BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE:

Alliance Bus Group

As a low-floor vehicle on a smaller platform, the Vicinity Bus offers improved fuel efficiency, better maneuverability, accessibility and reliability.

See why transit agencies across the U.S. are right-sizing their fleet with the best-in-class Vicinity Bus. Alliance Bus Group, 1926 Hyannis Ct., College Park, GA 30337 Phone: 866-287-4769 Email:Info@AllianceBusGroup.com Website: www.AllianceBusGroup.com

The Vicinity Bus The Vicinity Bus is a heavy-duty 12-year bus utilizing a galvanized steel monocoque structure and the same proven components as those typically used on standard 40-foot buses. The Vicinity meets the needs, preferences and expectations of transit systems across North America, while using American-supplied transit components.

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Model...............................................................................Grande West Vicinity Seating Capacity ......................................................Up to 32 + 25 standees Length........................................................................................26’, 28’, 30’, 35’ Width .............................................................................................................98.5” Height..............................................................................................................9’8” Engine .......................................................................... Cummins ISB or ISB-G Type of Fuel .................................................................................Diesel or CNG Chassis...............................................Monocoque steel frame (galvanized or stainless) Air Conditioning .........................................................Valeo or Thermo King Wheelchair Lift ........................Low-Floor with ramps by Lift-U or Ricon Steering................................................................................Tilt and telescope Suspension ........................................Full air ride with independent front

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N

By Harrell Kerkhoff Busline Magazine Editor

o matter the business, no matter the industry, 2020 has been a trying year for most company owners, employees and clients. The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the year, and many questions remain about 2021. Despite current hardships among people and companies involved in the U.S. bus and motorcoach industry, the good news is, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the blow, while also preparing for the post-COVID-19 world.

Speaking during a recent United Motorcoach Association online town hall meeting, sales expert Jim Pancero, of Jim Pancero Inc. (www.pancero.com), discussed two realities to selling today — no matter the industry.

First, it’s going to take some time before the effects of COVID19 finally wear off; and secondly, selling and buying today are currently going through a strong cultural shift. He recommended that business owners work hard at stabilizing their companies over the long haul, and to identify ways to stay in business through the next 12 months.

“In the early days (of the pandemic), many people were saying, ‘By fall, things will be back to normal,’” Pancero said. “Well, that’s

electrifying THE WAY BUS AND COACH ACCESSORIES ARE POWERED

INDEPENDENCE is a compact system that provides the majority of the benefits of hybrid and battery-powered buses without the upfront costs and expensive hybrid battery replacement – all the while reducing operational and maintenance costs. If you’re ready to declare independence from conventionally driven accessories and transform your bottom line, call us at 1.800.227.6937.

4282 Reynolds Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026 • 800-AC POWER

For more information, visit vanner.com •

@VannerInc

September/October 2020

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not the current concensus. The question now asked is, ‘Will life ever get back to normal?’ My response is, ‘yes.’ If you visit history, the global 1918 flu pandemic (which lasted into 1920) was followed by the Roaring Twenties — a period of great economic prosperity. “After the current pandemic finally subsides, there is a good chance life will come back strong. However, the question remains, ‘What do we do in the meantime?’ The reality is, this pandemic is going to continue for awhile.�

Pancero noted as well the certain cultural changes that have taken place, related to overall business, since the pandemic’s onset.

For one, more business people are using advanced technology to communicate. “As a sales person, if I were to say one year ago, ‘Let’s set up a Zoom call,’ you probably would have thought, ‘Is he too cheap to get on an airplane and see me?’� Pancero said. “Today, everybody has been pushed and forced into understanding, and becoming comfortable, with Zoom or other forms of online communication.�

Pancero said such changes in communication are here to stay, even after the pandemic. “Every time there has been a change in technology, as it pertains to the selling process, that change never reverts back to the old ways. A lot of people are calling the recent change, ‘Virtual

Selling,’� Pancero said. “The big question is, how are you, as a business owner or sales manager, embracing change and new technology? It’s important to adjust and adapt.�

D

WHAT NOW? — 3 QUICK IDEAS

espite life’s coronavirus-related challenges, there is hope. To make that point, Pancero quoted his friend W Mitchell (www.wmitchell.com), who was severely burned in a motorcycle accident and paralyzed in a plane crash.

Despite such major setbacks that would have stopped many people, Mitchell has become a successful keynote speaker, author and business person. His well-known quote is: “It’s not what happens to you ... it’s what you do about it.� “Life is really tough right now for many of us. If you run a company, however, my question is, ‘What are you going to do about it?’� Pancero asked. “I have three suggestions.�

“Every time there has been a change in technology, as it pertains to the selling process, that change never reverts back to the old ways. A lot of people are calling the recent change, ‘Virtual Selling.’�

n No. 1 — Get stable for the long haul: “A reality check is in order. This (pandemic) isn’t going to be corrected overnight.

Therefore, what is your financial plan to survive over the next 12 months?� he said. “Have a plan in place for stability.�

RELIABILITY ITY EFFICIENCY Discover electricity

Air Conditioning Electric

NC PERFORMANCE

hermetic electric scroll compressor/s Ę“ a.c. motors Ę“ self-contained refrigerant loops Ę“ generator or hybrid bus power

:<;9(2 *VYWVYH[PVU , [O (]L *VTTLYJL *P[` *6 4HPU ^^^ Z\[YHR\ZH JVT PUMV'Z\[YHR\ZH JVT JV

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n No. 2 — It’s time to sell your way out of this: “How many economic recessions have you been through? I started my business in 1982 during a recession, and I think there have been six or seven recessions since then (the early 1980s). It seems that every six to eight years the economy slows. The question is, ‘What do you do about it?’” Pancero said. “For most people running a company, the first thing they do when the economy starts to slow down is to kill their costs. That is fine. The problem is, they usually don’t do anything else. Instead, they hibernate. The better option is to sell your way out of the problem. It’s important to be proactive.

“If you employ one or more salesperson, he/she should be calling on current and potential clients all of the time, and having conversations. However, if you do not have a salesperson right now, I believe you should at least be spending 30 percent of your time calling on customers, having conversations and selling.”

Calling on people during hard times is often an evolving process, he added. For the bus/motorcoach and many other industries, questions that can be asked, in chronological order, to clients include: • Are you OK? How can I help?; • How can I help complete outstanding orders and transportation contracts?; • What do we (as a bus/motorcoach provider) need to look like to be competitive moving forward?; • What kind of transportation will you need when things turn around and open up?; and, • Business is starting to open up, can I tell you how we can safely handle your business?

Pancero explained that each customer and industry may be going

through a different phase of recovery. However, for business owners and sales managers, it’s important to understand what type of questions are best to ask during unprecedented times.

“Above all else, it’s important to develop a strong dialogue with people,” he said.

n No. 3 — Conduct customer research: For those company owners/salespeople who have qualms about contacting specific customers during today’s uncertainties, a good way to reach such people is through “customer research,” according to Pancero.

“One of the best outreach programs is to call on customers and prospects and just say, ‘I’m doing research to better understand what my company needs to do to be more competitive and helpful,’” Pancero said.

Five research questions can follow. They are: • What are the greatest changes your buyers want and expect from you, and your company?

“By starting off with asking current or potential clients a question about what their own customers want, you will likely see where their mental state is at the moment, and what steps they see must be taken to satisfy customers,” Pancero said. “If they are going to have to do more for customers, they may express added sympathy for your efforts as well.”

• What changes have you made as a company, and what are you doing differently, to better support customers during the pandemic?

Pancero said he would caution salespeople from being “too pushy” during the current economic climate brought on by the pandemic.

It’s better to stick to research-related questions.

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• What is it going to take for any of us to gain a competitive edge in this new marketplace?

According to Pancero, the idea behind that type of question is to get a better feel for the differentiating factors that will allow future business activities to succeed.

• Before the virus — what do you most wish we (the caller’s company) would have done differently while selling to, and supporting, you?

“That is asked to see if there are certains things you, and your company, can improve on once the pandemic subsides,” Pancero said.

• Moving forward, what can we do in the future to become a better transportation partner for you, and a better supporter of your business?

“The main idea to asking such customer research questions is to build dialogue with current, and potential, customers,” Pancero said. “Notice that with those questions, there is no pitching of products or specials. You are just trying to understand and listen — finding out what people want for the future.”

Pancero stressed the importance of listening during the selling process. “There is an old saying, ‘You have two ears and one mouth, use them in the appropriate percentages,’” he said. “Another

good quote is, ‘People are not going to care about what you have to say until they know you care about them.’”

One of the best ways to lower resistance during a sales process is to demonstrate essential listening skills, Pancero added. It’s also important to allow current and potential customers to have the last word during a conversation — something that is hard for some salespeople to do, but shows proper respect.

He also noted companies that deliver a sense of “cleanliness” and “safety” when it comes to their products and services can gain a competitive advantage in today’s COVID-19 environment. It’s therefore important to convey that message to the public, such as posting a video on a company website showing a motorcoach being disinfected prior to a trip.

“Your goal should be that of providing the lowest risk possible (to coronavirus exposure), while still fulfilling a customer’s transportation requirements,” Pancero said. “(The focus on cleanliness and safety) is a hot button in today’s selling, and needs to be incorporated in what you say, and do, as a company.”

He added that focus opens the conversation about “value versus price,” along with “critical differentiators” a company can provide for the benefit of a client. n

It’s also important to allow current and potential customers to have the last word during a conversation — something that is hard for some salespeople to do, but shows proper respect.

“Your goal should be that of providing the lowest risk possible (to coronavirus exposure), while still fulfilling a customer’s transportation requirements.”

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Increased Range, Cooler System Temps

Voith Brings New Electric Drive System To North America

After more than 20 years refining drivetrain control technology in the fields of urban trains, variable speed drives, steam turbines as well as various hybrid systems for city bus applications, Voith has announced the launch of its Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) in the North American market, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

“Compared to existing electrical drive systems, the VEDS systems offer an increased range, both in heavy urban traffic, and at highway speeds, cooler system temps that improve the life of components, and a reduction in the total cost of ownership for our customers,” said Luiz Soares, business development manager, Americas, Voith Turbo North America. “In addition, this is the first electrical drive system on the market that includes components that are all compliant with automotive standards.”

Significant Increase In Total System Efficiency The VEDS system has seen industry-leading results, including a more than 95.5 percent total system efficiency. With the VEDS system, Voith has mastered both the performance of the proprietary three-phase permanent magnet electric motor (IPMSM), as well as the thermal management of the drive inverter. The combination of

best-in-class motor design and proprietary thermal management algorithm for the inverter allow the motor to produce 3,100 Newton-Meters (Nm) peak torque and more than 340 kilowatts (kW) peak power. The motor has a continuous power rating of more than 240 kW. The efficiency of the motor reaches more than 97 percent at the peak while Voith’s drive inverter achieves over 99 percent efficiency. The result is a system efficiency that stays above 94 percent throughout 70 percent of the operational range of the drive system.

Unlike in the traditional world of internal combustion engines where a 1 percent increase in efficiency equates to a 1 percent improvement in fuel economy, efficiency increases are not linear with electric buses. A 1 percent increase in system efficiency of an electric bus could result in a much higher percentage improvement in energy consumption. This is possible because the complete system is less stressed due to better thermal stabilization, and several key components such as air compressors, cooling systems, HVAC, etc., are able to idle for longer periods of time.

In addition to industry-leading efficiency, VEDS also offers full torque availability from a standstill and motor power regeneration up to 100 percent.

Results From In The Field The benefits of VEDS have been shown with buses running in operation in Europe. Buses with VEDS are experiencing energy consumption of less than 1 kWh/km (1.6 kWh/mile) on average for a 40-foot bus. Similar buses using existing systems are reporting 2.0-2.5 kWh/mile using the Altoona test cycle, which indicates the potential improvements possible by using the VEDS system.

“We are excited to bring such an innovative solution to the market but we’re not stopping here,” said Soares. “In the near future, we hope to share results from incorporating VEDS on the first 60-foot EV bus in the U.S. market.

We’re always striving to increase efficiency for our customers, and set new standards in the industry.”

For more information, visit voith.com.

AFFINITY PARTNER

SOUTHEASTERN STAGES REDUCES THEIR TIRE COSTS BY PURCHASING TIRES FROM MOTORCOACH TIRE SALES! “We previously leased tires from one of the largest tire suppliers for the Motorcoach Industry before switching to purchasing tires from Motorcoach Tire Sales a few years ago.

Since then, we have seen a significant decline in our annual tire costs utilizing the various brands offered by Motorcoach Tire Sales. We also enjoy a better customer service experience, as any questions or requests are immediately addressed and taken care of. We highly recommend Motorcoach Tire Sales as an Industry supplier.”

Mike Dickson Southeastern Stages Atlanta Georgia

Contact Bill Kaiser 678-463-4110 | www.MotorCoachTireSales.com | bill@motorcoachtiresales.com September/October 2020

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High Voltage Li-Ion Battery Systems For Industrial And Commercial Vehicles By American Battery Solutions

Even with the challenges posed during 2020, the markets for electrified light, medium and heavyduty commercial vehicles continue to grow at a steady pace.

Lithium-ion battery technology has continued to see improved performance and safety, while costs continue to drop. The commercial vehicle industry is now taking advantage of these benefits as the high-volume automotive markets begin taking off.

“Our team at American Battery Solutions (ABS) is comprised of some of the best battery systems experts in the industry with decades of experience in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced battery systems.

Collectively, we have helped launch many of the most well know electrification programs with OEM customers like General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, BMW, Daimler-Mercedes, and others. We are now applying this know-how to the emerging underserved non-automotive markets,” said ABS.

“ABS is dedicated to U.S.-based manufacturing of the highest quality. The company has an established 170,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ohio, and an extensive engineering facility and technical center in Michigan — acquired from Bosch Battery Systems. This is one of the largest dedicated battery pack manufacturing facilities in North America.

“All of these qualifications make ABS a trusted partner to power the next generation

electric vehicle fleets. We have applied our experience and expertise from automotive battery systems to develop batteries with the utmost safety, reliability and ease of use.

ABS is launching a series of both standardized battery pack solutions and custom designed solutions to serve this market. Look for more info in the coming months.

“These commercial vehicle batteries will follow the successful launch of our low voltage ALLIANCE Intelligent Battery Series™ that provide the highest quality cells, automotive-grade electronics, and high-quality U.S.-based manufacturing in a robust IP67 package. They take the worry out of Li-ion selection for low voltage applications.”

For more information, call 248-462-6364, email info@americanbatterysolutions.com, or visit www.americanbatterysolutions.com.

Article Courtesy of American Battery Solutions, Inc.

RFTA is the lifeline of the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen, Colorado, Offering its employees excellent career opportunities, benefits, training, ski pass, and potential housing opportunities.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

For CDL Drivers:

CDL BUS DRIVERS -

$20.25/HR for Seasonal drivers (plus bonuses); RFTA offers great opportunities for Year-Round employment, which provides drivers with an excellent benefits package, including full health insurance, life insurance, dental, vision, and RFTA’s retirement benefits. HIRING through December 2020.

Must have Valid CDL with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsement to qualify.

We Offer: • Up to a $3,175 End of Winter Season bonus (seasonal employees); • Entry wages start at $20.25/hour, plus OT opportunities. •Pay rate increases to $20.65 in January 2021. • $500 bonus for new hires with their CDL P2 License. • Housing Opportunities • Aspen 4 Mountain Ski Pass or $425 Wellness Bonus

For Transit Service Technicians:

Transit Service Technicians - Wage starts at $24.60 an hour, pay based upon level of knowledge, skills, experience, and certifications received to date. Position is Full-time and includes RFTA's full benefits package (including Health, Life, Dental, Vision, Retirement, and more). RFTA has unbeatable benefits and regular opportunities for promotion and growth. Offering tuition reimbursement, tools, ski pass, and more.

Performs routine and minor repairs and preventative maintenance on RFTA buses and automotive equipment. These tasks include removing, repairing, and replacing parts and components, as necessary, while using tools and equipment in a safe and professional manner.

TO APPLY: Complete a RFTA employment application: www.applicantpro.com/openings/rfta/jobs If you have questions, please contact,

Lawrence at (970) 384-4854.

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APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications Accepted Until Position Filled • EEA/AAP/Drug Free Employer

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On Select Chassis

LiquidSpring® Now Provides Four-Corner Kneeling

“LiquidSpring is now available on both front and rear axles as an integrated smart suspension system on select chassis.

This makes four-corner kneeling a new possibility. An early customer taking advantage of this kneeling upgrade is the shuttlebus company ARBOC, that has added it as an upgrade available on its Spirit of Mobility model. This allows for the entire bus platform to be lowered for easy access with no giant step-up for riders, a feature especially appreciated by the elderly and other passengers with accessibility issues. Rear suspension-only models could also kneel, but that was not always helpful for the front-loading doors of a shuttlebus,” said the company.

“The LiquidSpring CLASS® suspension system was originally offered as a rear suspension only. From variable loading weights to lessening jolts passed along the frame from front to back, the rear suspension is still the standard product from LiquidSpring and provides major support to the smart sus-

From ABC

pension system. All front axle suspension systems must be accompanied by a matching rear suspension system for connectivity.

“In addition to four-corner kneeling, the optional front suspension upgrade offers further improvement to ride and handling. It also notably provides even more driver comfort by reducing felt vibration on rough roads. The front suspension, being underneath the driver, is a large contributor to the shaking sensation felt through the seat and steering wheel of the vehicle. LiquidSpring’s improved absorption of these

forces reduces felt vibrations significantly, giving drivers a more luxurious and safer feel to the ride.”

A Liquid-Springs press release stated, “Founded over 20 years ago, LiquidSpring began building suspensions for large off-highway mining equipment where they pioneered a unique system to help reduce operator injury in extreme conditions. The new strut was filled with a pressurized compressible liquid capable of supporting vehicle load and damping in a single element. Today, LiquidSpring continues to develop suspension products for other Class 3-7 on-highway trucks for various markets such as EMS, transit and school bus, recreational vehicle and work truck. The company provides application engineering, manufacturing, distribution, service and sales of its products throughout the world.”

Visit LiquidSpring.com to learn more.

Final Testing On Diesel To Electric Repowered Coach

“ABC is truly going ‘back to the future’ as we perform final testing on the industry’s first diesel to electric repowered motorcoach. The (pictured above) 2012 Van Hool has been transformed into the 100 percent battery electric powered T2145E,” said ABC. “Adding to the growing ABC portfolio of all electric vehicles, the T2145E will offer more choices to customers who are focused on reducing their carbon footprint.”

ABC will be offering more updates on how the T2145E is making the conversion to electric travel more affordable.

For more information, visit abc-companies.com.

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ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Offers Antimicrobial Interior Sidewalls

“ARBOC SpecialtyVehi“In these uncertain times, sancles, LLC, a subsidiary of NFI itation is a particularly major conGroup Inc., will be the first to cern for most of the population include antimicrobial sidewall that our bus customers serve. We paneling from Polser USA on are pleased to provide an effecthe interiors of its buses. With tive feature intended to efficiently downtime for sanitation as a increase safety and sanitation,” significant concern for transit said Doug Minix, general manbus organizations, this safety ager of ARBOC. upgrade brings a new highly The antimicrobial walls also effective, no-maintenance feahave a positive effect on the hyture for customers. Cleaning giene of other items inside the and sanitizing will continue bus. Polser claims that AMB works by using a positive molecto be an ongoing chore for ular charge to both attract in, and transit buses and fleets well Pictured left to right are: Mike Anglemyer, ARBOC regional sales manager; pull, pathogens down the nanointo the future, and the anAdam Glanders, Polser USA operation manager; Greg Glanders, Polser USA swords structures. timicrobial interior solution president; Doug Minix, ARBOC general manager; Dan Flynn, ARBOC regional is intended to bring signifisales manager; Barry Hines, ARBOC vice president of engineering; and, cant advantages,” said the For more information, visit Kim Yoder, ARBOC vice president of sales and marketing. company. www.arbocsv.com.

AMB fiber-reinforced panels feature a per- tions to function.

“ARBOC’s specialty is low-floor accesmanent coating, like a microscopic bed of 10 BYD Electric Buses Put nails, that the company claims actively and in- sible buses tailored to improve the transit stantaneously kills 99.9 percent of micro-or- experience of all passengers. The step-free Into Service In Toronto ganisms on contact. The coating works by design of the ARBOC lineup of cutaway disrupting the cell membrane, eliminating any and medium duty buses speaks to the com“The Toronto (CA) Transit Commission is now possibility of mutation or adaptation, is non- pany’s passion to provide the safest bus on operating the largest electric bus fleet in North toxic and does not need any chemical solu- the market.”

America,” according to BYD.

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“Public transit allows Canadians to get around in cheaper, cleaner and faster ways,” said Catherine McKenna, minister of infrastructure and communities. “Our government’s investment in the TTC’s electric bus pilot program is a sign of our commitment to made-in-Canada clean technology and an important step toward our target of 5,000 electric buses in Canada’s fleets over the next five years.

Canada’s Infrastructure Plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities.”

The 40-foot K9M battery-electric buses are the first to be put into service from BYD’s 45,000 square-foot assembly plant in nearby Newmarket, Ontario. The assembly of these buses created 30 jobs. They are the first buses built in Ontario since Orion closed its plant in 2012, according to BYD. “This is an important milestone for the city, for the province and for BYD, and we can’t wait for Torontonians to see what BYD’s combination of best-in-class technology, and Canadian know-how can deliver for their city,” BYD Canada Vice President Ted Dowling said.

The 10 new buses bring the city’s total all-electric bus fleet to 60. The TTC also has buses manufactured

by New Flyer and Proterra. Approximately 35 eBuses are already in service across the city, TTC said.

TTC plans to purchase only emission-free buses beginning in 2025, and complete a fleet conversion by 2040.

BYD said the buses will remove nearly 8,400 metric tons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere over the lifetime of the buses.

For more information, visit byd.com.

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Thermo King Adds Benefits To Heating Unit

“Thermo King is now offering solar panels on heating units to help fleets save money, increase battery life and maximize uptime. This is in addition to the unit providing maximum freeze protection,” said Thermo King.

“If your fleet transports items such as beverages, paint, pharmaceuticals, flowers and plants, or electronics, it’s essential that you use a reliable product that keeps these items from freezing. Heat King delivers maximum uptime, ease of maintenance and long-term reliability with its heavy duty, rugged and simple design,” said Tom Kampf, trailer product manager for Thermo King Americas. “If you pair the Heat King unit—which has 50,000 BTUs, and is the highest capacity heater on the market—with solar panels, you get the added benefits of extending the battery life and saving money on fuel. It’s a win-win.”

Chad Koll, solar product manager for Thermo King Americas, said, “Heaters sit all summer and likely were not fully charged at the end of last season. Just like the 50,000+ solar panels we have on the road today, on a multitude of assets, adding a ThermoLite® 40w solar panel to your Heat King unit offers many

advantages including making sure batteries are charged regardless of the time of year.”

According to the company, benefits include: • Increased battery life Keeping batteries charged all year round will negate failure from extended periods of low charge levels and proliferation of sulfation.

• Fuel savings Reduces load on the engine with alternator working less and reduced cycle-sentry operation.

• Extended component life Run time is reduced, alternator offloading and reduced starter engagement.

• Improved employee efficiency Cuts time spent managing low battery alarms and battery breakdowns.

For more information, visit thermoking.com/heatking.

News From Transit Agencies/Motorcoach Companies

Laketran Pilots Next Day Dial-A-Ride To Improve Access To Service

Laketran (OH) has begun a pilot program offering Next Day Dial-a-Ride reservations to customers who use the agency’s door-to-door transportation service.

Dial-a-Ride is an assisted transportation service primarily used by seniors and people with disabilities who cannot access the agency’s Local Route service. Laketran provides the service to limited medical facilities.

Reservations for Dial-a-Ride that can be made by phone or online, are normally required 2-12 days prior to a trip, but with the new pilot program, customers can call for a ride for the next day.

“Since passing our sales tax levy last fall, we have continued to look for ways to improve Diala-Ride service for seniors and people with disabilities and this is a service improvement we’ve heard requested from customers for quite some time,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle.

Reservations are available on a first come, first served basis during the three-month pilot program.

Laketran continues to take many precautions to make Dial-a-Ride safe during the pandemic including sanitizing buses daily, requiring masks, and limiting the number of passengers on board to properly social distance.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Florida State College Sign Automated Vehicle Partnership

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) President Dr. John Avendano officially signed a memorandum of understanding to expand the JTA’s autonomous vehicle Test & Learn program on FSCJ’s Cecil Center Campus.

The expansion includes the use of FSCJ’s Commercial Drivers License Test Track at the Cecil Center, the development of educational curriculum for autonomous vehicles and related technologies, and the eventual launch of an autonomous vehicle circulator on an FSCJ campus.

The JTA has been working with autonomous vehicle technology since 2017 as the authority plans to launch the Ultimate Urban Circulator or U2C program, a 10-mile transportation network planned for downtown Jacksonville to replace the Skyway and to expand that system through ground level connections into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Corpus Christi, TX, Regional Transportation Authority Donates Masks To Community First Responders

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affecting the community, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) has donated more than 30,000 masks to local first responders and community members as part of their “B” Safe campaign.

The donation was announced at a “B” Safe campaign press conference. The event was attended by local leadership including Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Health Administrator Luis Wilmot, and various first response agencies. Representatives from organizations receiving donations were present to accept CCRTA’s mask contributions.

CCRTA continues to emphasize reducing the spread of COVID-19 through physical and digital messaging. At least nine CCRTA buses will include bus wraps that emphasize the importance of facial masks. CCRTA has also donated advertising space to Nueces County to help share the message about wearing a mask.

Michigan Motorcoach Company Indian Trails Resumes Services

Indian Trails, Inc., Owosso, MI, has restarted most of its daily scheduled bus service, which includes routes throughout Michigan, and into Chicago, Milwaukee and Duluth, along with reduced connections with the Greyhound and Amtrak national transportation networks.

“We’re grateful to be resuming this important service in our region,” says Indian Trails President Chad Cushman. “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve faced the biggest economic challenge in the 110-year history of our family-owned company. It feels great to bring more employees back to work, and watch part of our 74-bus fleet roll off the lots and back on the road again.”

BATA Receives $13 Million In FTA Funding For New Transit Facility

“The Bay Area Transportation Authority (Traverse City, MI) will receive $13,380,000 in funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to construct a new transit facility. The new facility will serve as BATA’s operations and administrative headquarters, and better serve the public transportation needs of both Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties,” according to a press release.

BATA is in one of seven Michigan communities receiving $21,085,600 in funding from the FTA. This funding comes from the FTA’s Buses and Bus Facilities Discretionary Grant Program to replace, renovate and purchase buses, equipment and bus-related facilities.

Kelly Dunham, BATA executive director said, “This was a nationwide competitive grant, and to see federal dollars of this magnitude be allocated to a rural transit agency speaks volumes to the important role BATA plays in its communities.”

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CCW Mid-Life Rehabilitation Long Beach Transit Project Nears Completion Of Phase One

Complete Coach Works (CCW) is at the midway point of a project with Long Beach Transit (LBT) to perform a midlife rehabilitation on (72) 2012, 2013, and 2015 Gillig buses.

The project includes a cosmetic rehabilitation and engine replacement.

The 40-foot-long buses are being repowered with newer engines that are substantially cleaner, more fuel efficient, and require less maintenance.

The buses also include new aluminum wheels, new LED exterior and interior lightning, new exterior mirrors, repainted driver’s areas and interior sidewalls, reupholstered passenger seat inserts, new flooring, upgrades to the fire suppression systems and new paint and decals.

“CCW has been contracting work with Long Beach for years and this is one of the most rewarding projects to date,” said Kevin O'Brien, general sales manager for CCW. “Work on the buses is moving along swiftly. We look forward to the outcome and are thrilled to offer reliable buses for years to come.”

LBT is the second largest public transit agency in Los Angeles County with 26 million annual boardings. Upon completion, Long Beach Transit will utilize the buses to service the city of Long Beach and surrounding areas.

“This has been a joint effort to bring more value to the city. The project allows LBT to continue its path of providing a cleaner transportation system to its community.

“Complete Coach Works is the largest bus remanufacturing and rehabilitation company in the United States, with over 30 years in the transportation industry. CCW unveiled the world’s first remanufactured all-electric, battery-powered bus in 2012. CCW has a team of over 350 to provide cutting-edge products and customer service,” said the company.

For more information, visit completecoach.com.

Jacksonville’s JTA Receives $11.9 Million Grant

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HVAC Upgrades • Brakes & Suspensions • Interior Facelifts • Mechanical & Electrical Repairs • Body Work • Fire Damage • Painting & Decals • Emission Upgrades • Major Collisions • Glass Repairs & More Page 60

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September/October 2020

The Jacksonville (FL) Transportation Authority is receiving an $11.9 million Bus & Bus Facilities discretionary grant.

“With this grant, the JTA will take eight diesel buses that have met FTA’s Useful Life standards out of service, and replace them with eight new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses,” according to JTA. This is part of a larger project that proposes to rehabilitate/upgrade some of the most pressing repair needs at the JTA’s Myrtle Avenue Operations Campus, such as the replacement of mobile column lifts for bus repairs; the replacement/upgrade of 21 bay doors from manual to electric; the rehab of the bus wash facilities, including upgrades for waste, oil and plumbing systems; the replacement of exhaust fans, generators, HVAC and other maintenance and facilitates needs.

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Fare Collection: Continued From Page 43 Genfare

800 Arthur Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 USA 847-871-1231 Website: www.genfare.com Products: Customized fare solutions to transit agencies throughout North America. Genfare integrated systems encompass the latest in electronic validating fareboxes, smart card and mobile payment options, ticket vending and point-of-sale card distribution systems. 20 INIT, Innovations In Transportation, Inc.

424 Network Station, Chesapeake, VA 23320 USA 757-413-9100 Website: www.initse.com Products: Ticketing and fare management products. 20 LECIP Group

881 IL Route 83, Bensenville, IL 60106 USA 312-626-2525 Website: www.lecip.com Products: Automated fare collection systems including fareboxes, smart card systems, transfer voucher issuance machines and digital fare displays. 20 MJM Innovations

6300 Blair Hill Ave., Suite 301, Baltimore, MD 21209 USA 866-664-1277 Email: info@mjminnovations.com Website: www.mjminnovations.com Products: MJM Innovations improves transportation programs using web-based software, mobile apps, card solutions, trip management and management services. 19

Scheidt & Bachmann USA, Inc.

1001 Pawtucket Blvd.

Lowell, MA 01854 USA 781-272-1664 Website: www.scheidt-bachmann.de Products: The company’s fare collection systems division is a global supplier in fare collection technology. 20 TransitFare & Systems

760 Birchmount Rd., Unit 42 Toronto, ON M1K 5H8 CANADA 416-993-2503 Email: info@transitfare.com Website: www.transitfare.com Products: Integrated fare management solutions for transit operators located throughout the world. The company’s solutions integrate fare management, ticket issuing and validation, revenue management, and financial and ridership reporting. 20

Moving forward.

Whilst the world may feel uncertain at the moment, the only thing we can do is keep moving forward – together. For guidance and advice on the textiles and vinyls that will help keep you and your passengers safe, contact our team today.

TripSpark Technologies

See Ad On Page 18 6480 Rockside Woods Blvd. S. - Suite 215 Independence, OH 44131 USA 877-448-7273 Website: www.tripspark.com Products: Integrated software, hardware and automatic fare collection solutions for fixed-route, paratransit, nonemergency medical transportation, ride sharing and K-12 school customers. TripSpark is an operating division of Trapeze Group, a transit software provider in operation since 1990. 20

www.camirafabrics.com/stayingsafe

September/October 2020

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Bus Shelters:

Continued From Page 41

Duo-Gard Industries, Inc. 40442 Koppernick Rd., Canton, MI 48187 USA 734-207-9700 Email: info@duo-gard.com Website: www.duo-gard.com Products: Duo-Gard transit shelters provide versatility in size, styles and services that meet goals for aesthetics, performance and economy.

This versatility is also found with Duo-Gardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canopies, walkways, windbreaks, stairway enclosures, furniture, bike racks and other structures needed to complete a project. 19

Enseicom, Inc. 225 Norman Montreal, QC H8R 1A3 CANADA 514-486-2626 Email: info@enseicom.com Website: www.enseicom.com Products: Founded in 1982, Enseicom manufactures street furniture, bus shelters, billboards, advertising structures and signage in North America.

Staffed with a full in-house graphic and technical design team overseen by civil and structural engineers. 20

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Handi-Hut, Inc. See Ad On Page 41 3 Grunwald St., Clifton, NJ 07013 USA 800-603-6635 Email: staff@handi-hut.com Website: www.handi-hut.com Products: Founded in 1971, Handi-Hut designs, engineers, and manufactures standard and custom, prefabricated aluminum and glass transit shelters for bus stops, train stations and BRT. Modular for versatility and easy assembly, durable construction and finishes for longevity. Services include CAD drawings and PE certifications.

Other products: Solar lights and chargers, ad panels, windscreens, benches, smoking shelters, bike racks and shelters, specialty shelters, walkway covers, entry canopies and enclosures, site amenities and furnishings. 20

Madrax / Thomas Steele 1080 Uniek Dr., Waunakee, WI 53597 USA 608-849-1080 Email: sales@madrax.com Website: www.madrax.com Products: Maker of heavy-duty, high quality bike racks. 20 Mountain Shelter Solutions 6950 Base Line Wallaceburg, ON N8A 1A1 CANADA

September/October 2020

877-588-8858 Email: sales@mountainsheltersolutions.com Website: www.mountainsheltersolutions.com Products: Transit shelters, smoking shelters, bicycle shelters, covered walkways, canopies, advertisement signs and street furniture. 20

Poligon by PorterCorp 4240 136th Ave. Holland, MI 49424 USA 616-888-3500 Website: www.poligon.com Products: Standard and custom shade coverings for applications in steel, fabric and wood. Structures include transit shelters, walkway covers, pavilions, trellises, signs and fabric shade. A wide selection of standard shelters can be fully customized. Frame finishes are available in smooth and textured colors. The company also offers a variety of roof types and colors. 19

Tolar Manufacturing Co. 258 Mariah Cir., Carona, CA 92879 USA 800-339-6165 Email: info@tolarmfg.com Website: www.tolarmfg.com Products: Since 1991, Tolar Manufacturing has been producing transit shelters, kiosks, benches and trash receptacles. 19

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Connecting you to a brighter future Irizar USA 100 Cassia Way, Henderson NV, 89014 702 431 0707 www.irizarusa.com

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September/October 2020